AGENCY HISTORY
A COMPLETE CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF OUR JOURNEY
CONTINUED HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
When completed, the building was turned over to the Village of West Haverstraw. The first event to be held in the new firehouse was a dance, which was a big social and financial success. For many years after, dances were the most successful event run by the Company, in fact, they were the biggest source of income for the Company. These funds were used mostly for furnishings and improving the building.
The first piece of firefighting apparatus used by the Company was a hand hose cart acquired by Louis Adler in 1915. In fact, Adler had it stored in his barn before the Village had approved the formation of the Company. The hose cart was donated to the fire company by Mayor Freeman of Haverstraw. It had formerly belonged to Haverstraw Village's Relief Hose Company No. 3. An iron ring gong alarm was acquired and set up outside the new building when it was completed.
The first new piece of mechanical apparatus was purchased by the Village in 1925. It was a chain driven Bull Dog Mack Pumper. William Curran, Sr., was the proud chief at the time. The "Old Mack" as it was called, remained in service for 25 faithful years. The old hose cart was donated to the Grassy Point Fire District. Years later, the "old-timers" were sorry they did not keep it, as it would have been a wonderful show piece.
IN
1927
On September 12, 1927, tragedy would strike Volunteer Hose Co. 2 as the company’s only line of duty death would occur. Martin Burke would succumb to his injuries when he fell off the rear of the firetruck while responding to a fire alarm. The company has since memorialized firefighter Burke at their Firefighter Memorial Service held annually in June.
IN
1930’s
In the early 1930s, a drive was started for funds to buy a modern siren to replace the ring gong alarm. Led by Patrick Buckley and William Curran, Sr., the company collected enough money from the people of the Village to buy the roof siren. The Village Board gladly provided for the installation of the new alarm and the old ring gong was given to the Fort Montgomery Fire Department.
IN
1949
In 1949, the Company hosted the Rockland County Volunteer Firemen's Association parade and convention for the first time. A new Mack "500" Pumper was purchased that year but did not arrive in time for the big parade. The present firehouse was also remodeled from top to bottom for the occasion. Fred Seminara, of Volunteer Hose Company No. 2, was installed as President of the County Association.
IN
1965
1965 was a memorable year for the Company as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary by hosting the NJ/NYVFA Convention and Parade. Close to 100 departments came out for this event, which made it one of the biggest parades in NJ-NY history. Most of all, the Company was proud to present at this parade, it’s new Mack B-model Pumper, 23-1000, which was in service until 2001. William Bates Jr. and William Curran Jr. helped the Village purchase land for the Company, from Aggie Swetz Macaulay, to build a 35’ x 105' addition onto the existing firehouse. In 1976 this addition was finally completed. Later, Mrs. Macaulay was kind enough to donate an extra parcel of land, for which the Company will always be grateful.
Through the years the Company worked hard holding many fundraisers, and through these efforts, they were able to purchase completely on their own, a 1976 Ford F-350 known as
23-Patrol. Michael Barbera was the chief and at that time, the only chief to hold office twice.
While many volunteer fire company memberships were dwindling in that day and age, Volunteer Hose realized that the future lies in our youth. In December of 1980, the Junior Firefighters Program was founded and has proven to be quite successful. Many firefighters, both male and female at Volunteer Hose and throughout the County, started in this program.
Our Village has grown tremendously over the years and to meet these needs, 23-1500, another Mack Engine, went into service December 1981. Together with 23-1000, Volunteer Hose Co. 2 became known as the "Home of the Big Mack Attack".
IN
1987
In 1987 the firehouse was once again renovated. An office was built, and the basement lowered for a new kitchen and rec room. As in most of the renovations at Volunteer Hose, the firefighters did a lot of the work themselves. They spent many days digging out the floor and found a bed of the original bricks used.
IN
1992
In 1992, the Company was pleased to show off its new piece of firefighting apparatus, the big, blue 23-Rescue, a Ford cab with a Saulsbury box body. This unit replaced 23-Patrol and was designed to create the availability for the company to transport several firefighters to emergency calls. This was the start of "The House of Blues."
Since it now had the availability to transport more equipment and firefighters with the addition of 23-Rescue, the company organized one of the first, highly trained Fast Teams in Rockland County. In 2001, a second addition and bay was added to the building, and it was dedicated to the late Anthony Frontino who served faithfully as Chief Engineer for many years. That year also saw the Company's first blue Sutphen engine, 23-1501, placed into service, retiring 23-1000, which was placed into antique status and retained by the Company.
IN
2002
In 2002, Volunteer Hose implemented Rockland’s first Chiefs Aid position, a concept utilized by the FDNY, which allows the Chief (OIC) to concentrate on the emergency at hand, while the aide handles all the requests for assistance made by the OIC. This concept is now used by many of the 26 fire departments throughout Rockland County.
IN
2012
2012 saw the retirement of the Company's last active Mack, 23-1500, with the addition of another blue Sutphen engine, identified as the new 23-1500.
IN
2014
In 2014, in preparation for the 100th anniversary, and with the financial assistance of the Village Board, the Rescue-bay side of the building was completely refurbished with a newly painted floor, ceiling, lighting and brick wall. We added a Ford F350, (bringing back 23-Patrol) in 2015, and our final project, started and completed that year, was a gift to ourselves with the transformation of the old, original first-floor rec room, into a new House of Blues member's room, complete with leather couches, three TVs, and lounge area.
IN
2022
In 2022, Volunteer Hose Co. 2 retired the 1992 Ford/Saulsbury rescue truck and received its member designed replacement, a 2022 KME cab forward, box body rescue, retaining the radio identifier, 23-Rescue. Today, the members of Volunteer Hose Co. 2 respond on average to 250 calls for assistance annually and are proud to remain an all-volunteer fire company as we approach our 108th year of dedicated service to the Village of West Haverstraw. The Company is proud of its rich history and of the job well done by the members and Village officials all through the years.
